Lost foam

[Bruce R.]

been messing with lost foam casting in aluminum with no success, I’m using that blue insulation foam, and when I pour the charge there’s a violent reaction in the mold with lots of smoke. When I shake out the casting it’s full of voids. Wrong foam ?

 

[dnalot]

I have had mixed results with lost foam. However I have learned how to get good results.

See https://www.homemodelenginemachinist.com/threads/wheels-for-clayton-steam-wagon.21627/

It details how I do lost foam. On the third photo from the top you will see some tin cans, they allow for greater head pressure by raising the height of the pour gate. Ignore the fire and smoke, and pour quickly.

Mark T

 

[ddmckee54]

Check out the lost foam forum over at The Home Foundry.
http://forums.thehomefoundry.org/index.php

Kelly, Al203, does some amazing things with lost foam and they're more than willing to offer help and advice.

Don